CLIMATE change activists from Winchester cycled to London to join 'the biggest ever act of non-violent civil disobedience'.

The Extinction Rebellion (XR) protestors set off on the 65-mile bike ride last Monday (October 7) to gather with thousands of others demanding action.

They have been blockading sites across central London, including Whitehall, Trafalgar Square and St James’ Park. Activities have also taken place at City Airport, with the slogan: "fly today, no tomorrow".

Matthew, a sixteen year old student from Peter Symonds College, said he "took pride" in being part of the campaign.

He added: "I was a little bit scared of being arrested, but mainly excited. I want to make as much use of my life as I can, and that means doing the most good I can. In the face of ecocide, it’s do or die."

More than 1,300 protestors have been arrested since the protests began last Monday.

Chris Todhunter, founder and co-director of Studio Republic, said “All of our team have two days each year that they can use for volunteering. I can’t think of a better cause that we could get behind."

When asked if he thought the protests were an inconvenience on Londoners' days, he continued: "Yes, it’s a pain, but there are people dying right now as a direct result of our actions in the west. We westerners are the biggest contributors to the climate breakdown so it’s up to us to clean up our act and take responsibility.

"We won’t change the world for the better by sitting at home”.